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Manchester United boss Michael Carrick is understood to be a big fan of Middlesbrough midfielder Hayden Hackney. Following speculation linking the 23-year-old with a switch to Old Trafford, Hackney has now spoken about what lies ahead.

Carrick has taken charge of his former side for a second time following Ruben Amorim's sacking and has already secured wins against Manchester City and Arsenal. His previous role saw him spend nearly three years as Middlesbrough manager.

Throughout that period, the 44-year-old worked closely with Hackney. The midfielder has attracted top-flight interest for a while now, and Carrick's arrival has only intensified speculation connecting him with United.

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However, Hackney has now broken his silence on a possible January switch, clarifying his situation at Middlesbrough and putting paid to any last-minute plans Carrick might have had.

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After 30 Championship fixtures, Middlesbrough occupy a share of top spot with Premier League promotion within reach. They edged past Norwich 1-0 on Saturday in a crucial encounter, with skipper Hackney scoring the decisive goal.

Speaking afterwards, Hackney was questioned about his future and left little doubt about his transfer intentions. Asked whether he would be departing before the deadline, he replied: "No. I'm really happy.

"The manager [Kim Hellberg] has got me playing the way I enjoy playing, getting the best out of me. So yeah, I'm really enjoying it. This is what I've wanted to do ever since I was a kid: play for Middlesbrough.

"And where we are in the league at the minute, as long as we just keep going, we feel confident. Winning promotion with Middlesbrough would mean everything to me. I don't know how I'd be, but I know I'd be over the moon. That is the dream."

This development will serve as a minor setback for Carrick, who has previously heaped praise on Hackney. During his time at Middlesbrough in 2024, Carrick lauded the midfielder's qualities.

"You couldn't ask for much more from Hayden," Carrick remarked two years ago. "He's grounded, he's humble, he's down to earth and loves to learn. He loves the place and he loves the club as well. To have that, added with the talent he has got, it's the perfect scenario. I think it just shows his consistency really, over a long period of time.

"It's not easy when you're a younger player, but he's certainly done that. There is a level of talent out there in and around football and sometimes it might not be that different player to player, but levels can be jumped, or not, if your head is not in the right place and you don't go about your business in the right way and treat your profession with respect.

"Hayden certainly does that. He's been exemplary really since I've been here and I really enjoy working with him. He's desperate for more, desperate to learn, and he's a real credit to his family, to himself and to the club."

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